Ten blue helmets from the United Nations Stabilization Mission In Mali (Minusma) were killed on Sunday following a complex terrorist attack against the mission’s camp in Aguelhok, in the Kidal region, northern Mali. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, strongly condemned the deadly attack which killed ten peacekeepers from Chad and injured at least 25 others. Minusma forces responded robustly and a number of assailants were killed, a statement issued by his spokesperson read. The Secretary-General conveyed his “heartfelt condolences to the Government of Chad, and the families and loved ones of the deceased.” and wished a swift recovery to the injured, paying tribute to the dedication and courage of the men and women serving in Minusma “at great personal risk and sacrifice.” A proliferation of armed groups fighting government forces and their allies in the center and northern areas of Mali following a failed coup six years ago, have made Minusma the most dangerous mission to serve in as a UN “blue helmet.”
